Traffic Safety

Many times you hear of Traffic Enforcement Units, but officers in the Traffic Unit at the Addison Police Department feel they are more than just enforcement officers. That is why they call themselves the Traffic Safety Unit. Officers in the Traffic Safety Unit do not only feel enforcement is the only option, but they participate in all sorts of public relation activities in an attempt to complete the three E’s of the traffic language: Enforcement, Engineering and Education.

The Traffic Safety Officers provide education in bicycle safety, child safety seat installations, traffic safety, impaired driving and much more. This is done by having traffic safety booths, teaching at area high schools, teaching at citizens police academies, newspaper articles and Addiscene TV clips, and the list goes on and on. The Traffic Safety Officers always attempt to stay as a positive presence within the community.

These officers also investigate traffic crashes, along with all other forms of traffic enforcement, including directing patrols, roadside safety checks, overweight truck inspections, seat belt enforcement zones, DUI enforcement, and special traffic watches. They create Problem Oriented Policing projects to work with the community and in engineering to make the roadways of Addison safe for all.

GOALS

To ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Addison by reducing injuries, deaths and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes.

To deter crime through increased presence and visibility in the community and through the apprehension of criminals by utilizing motor vehicles in the most efficient, pertinent and safe manner possible.

OBJECTIVES

To identify high accident areas, analyze data and apply problem-solving techniques in the resolution of traffic problems.

To enhance traffic safety in the Village of Addison by reducing both the frequency and severity of traffic crashes.

To aggressively investigate citizen complaints and enforce all applicable traffic laws and regulations.

To vigorously pursue the investigation of any and all illegal activities detected as a result of traffic stops.

To act as representatives of the Department through public appearances at special functions, parades and funerals.

To represent the Department as public speakers and instructors, when requested.

To investigate, clear, and charge, when possible, all hit and run accidents.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DATABASE

The Illinois Secretary of State's office officially established the Emergency Contact Database on July 1, 2009. The database allows Illinois driver's license and identification cardholders to enter emergency contact information into a voluntary, secure database. In the event of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation where a person is unable to communicate directly, law enforcement may access the database to help them reach the person's designated contacts.

The database allows individuals to enter information for two family members or friends, including addresses and possible phone numbers, to allow law enforcement personnel instant access to reach them in case of an emergency.